Leaders of the New School

I recently went back to Clay County, FL to watch some Jun E young men graduate from high school. It was nostalgic to say the least. I remember when I first met all of you. All young, feisty, intelligent, cunning, hardworking, and driven young men. Just thinking about how far you all have come, brings tears of joy to my eyes. I always believed in everyone of you, and most importantly you all believed in yourselves and each other. At this moment, I am smiling from ear to ear thinking about the great memories we share. Marcus Mccann, the young hardworking, persistent lefty who played his heart out. Now he will take that same intensity into orthodontist school. Mccann, we are very proud of you! Ulysses Tobler possesses a smile and soul that will light up the world. He is a very hard worker. I even remember when I threw you out of practice. Now Tobler is attending college in West Virginia, and playing football. Jared Singletary, a quiet, soft spoken, intelligent , and very talented young man. Jared has just earned a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State, and we look forward to seeing you some day play pro ball. We can never forget about the spastic Kyle Rivers. Kyle once flipped out in a game, and it was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Kyle is honest, possesses great character, intelligence, and humor. Now Kyle serves the country in the military. Then there is Matt Kenny, the man that was always in the middle of everything. We called him “bird”. Matt, very in inquisitive, forward thinking, hardworking , and at most times mischievous in a good way. Matt attends RIT, and is a future billionaire. Andre Lafontant, kind, loving, brilliant, and hardworking. It wasn’t always easy coaching Andre, because he is my nephew, which created more pressure on him. Andre now attends Williams College in Massachusetts. He plans to own the New York Knicks and he will. Ricky Estrada, driven, visionary, tough, self disciplined, and hardworking. I remember all the time we spent in the gym at 5:00 a.m. They are going to pay off. Ricky is on his way to play college basketball. There are many more, but these are just a few of the great young people we have had the privilege of meeting. You all have enriched our lives. We exist to improve humanity, and we thank you for all the time, laughs, cries, and memories we have shared together.

You all have an opportunity of a lifetime. Opportunity must be created. If you approach your jobs and careers with enthusiasm you will always find plenty of opportunities, while those who complain about no one ever giving them a chance are merely observers of life. Resolve today to be the best! Make sure that you make each day a masterpiece and live each day as if it was your last. We love you. Be Jun E! Be Great!